SPRAT Safety and Compliance 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which statement best describes SPRAT's two-rope system requirement?
- Each technician uses a working line and an independent safety (backup) line (Correct answer)
- A second rope is needed only during rescue
- One rope is used for ascent and another for tools
- Two technicians share one working line
Correct answer: Each technician uses a working line and an independent safety (backup) line
A separately anchored backup line protects the technician if the main working line or its anchors fail.
Question 2: Who should do the documented periodic inspections of rope access equipment?
- Any member of the public
- The client's accounting department
- Only the equipment manufacturer
- A competent person, following the manufacturer's instructions (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A competent person, following the manufacturer's instructions
Besides each user's check before use, a competent person must carry out and record periodic inspections.
Question 3: A Level I technician is asked to rig anchors without supervision on a new job. What does SPRAT guidance say?
- Level I technicians may supervise other Level I technicians
- Level I technicians may rig on their own if the client agrees
- Level I technicians should work under the supervision of a Level III (Correct answer)
- Level I technicians may rig on their own after one year
Correct answer: Level I technicians should work under the supervision of a Level III
Level I technicians work under the direct supervision of a Level III, who is responsible for the rigging and safety of the job.
Question 4: What hazard makes hot work such as welding or grinding especially dangerous for rope access?
- Welding fumes strengthen nylon
- Heat and sparks can melt or damage synthetic ropes (Correct answer)
- Sparks make ropes heavier
- Grinding reduces fall factors
Correct answer: Heat and sparks can melt or damage synthetic ropes
Synthetic ropes melt at relatively low temperatures, so hot work needs rope protection, fire watches, or alternative suspension.
Question 5: What is the best way to keep reliable communication between technicians on rope and the ground team?
- Shout only when there is a problem
- Rely on hand signals even when out of sight
- Set up and test a communication method such as radios or signals before work starts (Correct answer)
- Use a phone in a closed pocket
Correct answer: Set up and test a communication method such as radios or signals before work starts
A communication method that has been agreed on and tested is needed for routine coordination and for emergencies.
Question 6: Under OSHA's general industry rule for rope descent systems (29 CFR 1910.27), what must building owners provide?
- Insurance coverage for the contractor
- A permanent on-site rescue team
- A free equipment set for every technician
- Written certification that the anchorages have been identified, tested, certified, and maintained (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Written certification that the anchorages have been identified, tested, certified, and maintained
OSHA 1910.27 requires building owners to give written certification that anchorages for rope descent systems are identified, tested, certified, and maintained.
Question 7: Why should equipment from different manufacturers be checked for compatibility before use?
- Mixed brands always void OSHA compliance
- It is required only for training gear
- Mismatched components can cause rollout, cross-loading, or improper function (Correct answer)
- Compatibility affects only color coding
Correct answer: Mismatched components can cause rollout, cross-loading, or improper function
Components that don't work together can disengage or load incorrectly, so the competent person must confirm they function safely as a system.
